Case Studies

Set out below is a variety of our recent work. Full details are available on request.

Leeds Chamber of Commerce

Investigating areas of concern surrounding an update to a Web-based application from SQL Server. Problems were resolved by creating DTS, stored procedures and an FTP script to update the website from the master SQL in real time, saving 0.5 days per week of DBA time.

Car Care Plan Ltd.

Investigating COM+ and SQL Server Database issues in the online warranty production systems. Problem was resolved with an updated VB COM+ component and improved transaction handling for SQL Server.

Pearson Edexcel

We provided one of our consultants to lead an in-house team of up to 15 Analysts, Developers and Testers. The team delivered IT Development to provide National Curriculum Tests for the NAA. The result was the successful delivery of the required tests and secured the multi million pound project for our client.

Skills Employed:
PRINCE2 Project Management, Team leadership, Business Analysis and process mapping, using UML and the Rational Unified Process, Sarbanes Oxley Compliance.

Technologies:
ASP.net, SQL Server 2000, ORACLE 9i, MS Project, Rational tool set.

Achievements:
Edexcel used our services to develop, from scratch, a system to handle the marking of, and payment for, 4 million National Curriculum tests. This involved elements of data migration from the previous provider, the creation of product descriptions, system integration and scheduling the rapid development of the fulfillment over 12 software development cycles (sometimes concurrently).

The team created a database to select and offer contracts to 12,500 markers for marking scripts submitted for exams at Key Stages 2 & 3. The system was then expanded to handle training meetings, team selection and script allocation.
The process implemented also included redirection of scripts and packages, payment of the markers and the logging of and payment for reviewed scripts.

The key to the success of the project was open and free communication between the client and all of the participants, and creating motivation and enthusiasm within the team to deliver a very stretching programme of work.

University of Liverpool

Design and development of an asp.net Web content Management System, to support the teaching of undergraduate history courses. Interactive maps leading to database committed learning materials to guide students through the historical development of colonisation. All delivered securely over the web, saving the university on printing and updating and distribution costs for distance learning.